Huff Post Latino Politics is reporting of Puerto Rican superstar, Ricky Martin’s frustration surrounding the results of the recent statehood vote held in Puerto Rico. As a NEWYORICANGIRL, I remain neutral about the self-determination journey of my ancestor’s island.

However, my deepest conviction remains in believing that the U.S. Congress should urgently and proactively seek to enfranchise the island’s 2.4 million eligible voters currently banned from voting for the President of their own country – a civil rights conundrum that impacts ANY American choosing to claim residency in Puerto Rico.

-23rd Amendment granting the American residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote.

It seems obvious to me that the member of Congress who seizes the opportunity to champion amending the Constitution to secure full voting rights for our fellow American citizens living in Puerto Rico stands to win the increasingly growing – and crucial – Hispanic electorate’s gratitude, respect and potential vote. Please take a moment to consider signing my petition below if you agree that every American citizen should have the right to vote for their own President of these great United States. NEWYORICANGIRL

4 Responses to “Confusion and Discord following Puerto Rico’s Vote on Statehood…”

Admirable, but you realize a Constitutional amendement requires 2/3rds vote in both houses of Congress (67 Senators, 290 Representatives) and 3/4 of state legislatures (38 states), while a simple Statehood bill accomplishes the same thing but with only 51 Senators, 218 Rrepresentatives and one President’s signature?

I do realize that and wish it were that “simple.” However, as we’re watching right now, even Obama’s team seemed to muddle through an internal conflict with regards to the POTUS’ official position; reversing itself on the validity of the statehood vote overnight.

My point is that I worry it’s a harder argument to win congressional approval of a new state – rather than offering them the opportunity to appear like champions of civil liberties for ALL Americans (in granting voter parity for all legal residents of Puerto Rico). It’s their chance to do something heroic for the sake of our Democracy. At the very least, it’s a Plan B strategy and every good leader should have one (so this is mine!). Initiative launched! Press releases to follow. Much work to be done! Wanna help? 🙂

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